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Royal Gorge Century, Metric & 50k
Join us on September 24th, 2016 for one of the most scenic rides you have ever experienced!
The Royal Gorge Bridge is OPEN and will be a part of the Century and Metric Century Routes! This is a unique experience as the south entrance is usually closed to general traffic.
Royal Gorge Century-(Total ascent 7900') Leave the Macon Street Plaza and head west on HWY 50. You’ll start by climbing what is commonly referred to as “8 Mile”, which is (you guessed it J) an eight mile long gradual climb. Once atop 8 Mile, you’ll make your way toward and down Parkdale Hill, descending back down to 6,000 before you’ll begin a low gradient climb of 10 miles up Copper Gulch. Once reaching the top, you’ll add a few more paved miles while viewing the breath-taking Sangre de Cristo mountains. Then descend back down Copper Gulch, climb up the backside entry to the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. On this date you’ll have a free pass to ride across the remarkable suspension bridge, a full 1,100 feet above the sensational Arkansas River. Once you exit the park, you’ll work your way back to HWY 50, and descend back down to Cañon City. Climb up and over Skyline Drive, offering you a little more climbing just for fun. Then hit the Aid Station back at Macon Street Plaza (at this point you’ll be at 65 miles), and then head out north on 5th Street to ride the additional Red Canyon Out and Back route (see above). Additional six miles are available on the scenic dirt of Shelf Road for anyone dead-set on doing a full 100 mile day.
Metric Mash-(Total Ascent 5300') Leave the Macon Street Plaza and head west on HWY 50. You’ll start by climbing what is commonly referred to as “8 Mile”, which is (you guessed it J) an eight mile long gradual climb. Once atop 8 Mile, you’ll make your way toward and down Parkdale Hill, then climb up the backside entry to the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. On this date you’ll have a free pass to ride across the remarkable suspension bridge, a full 1,100 feet above the sensational Arkansas River. Once you exit the park, you’ll work your way back to HWY 50, and descend back down to Cañon City. On this route you’ll then climb over Skyline Drive, offering you a spectacular view of Cañon City. Hit the Aid Station back at Macon Street Plaza, and then head out north on 5th Street to ride the additional Red Canyon Out and Back route.
Red Canyon 50k- (total ascent 2400') If you’re looking for a beautiful spin, but not feeling up to a long, hard day in the saddle, this is your ride. You’ll leave the Macon Street Plaza, head north on 5th street, and eventually find yourself northbound in a beautiful canyon, commonly ridden by Fremont County locals. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, turkeys, and incredible views. After 15 miles of gradual climbing, you’ll turn around and zip back to Cañon City. This route takes you back in time (geologically speaking) through the Garden Park Fossil Area, where dinosaurs once roamed, on your way out towards the spires of Red Canyon Park, and then back to town.
On top of all of that the leaves will be in a full on explosion of color. Cañon City is in the heart of the Colorado Banana Belt-meaning the weather will be perfect! Stop by Red Canyon Cycles for more information.
Bikes and Brews will roll out RAIN or SHINE!
The Royal Gorge Bridge is OPEN and will be a part of the Century and Metric Century Routes! This is a unique experience as the south entrance is usually closed to general traffic.
Royal Gorge Century-(Total ascent 7900') Leave the Macon Street Plaza and head west on HWY 50. You’ll start by climbing what is commonly referred to as “8 Mile”, which is (you guessed it J) an eight mile long gradual climb. Once atop 8 Mile, you’ll make your way toward and down Parkdale Hill, descending back down to 6,000 before you’ll begin a low gradient climb of 10 miles up Copper Gulch. Once reaching the top, you’ll add a few more paved miles while viewing the breath-taking Sangre de Cristo mountains. Then descend back down Copper Gulch, climb up the backside entry to the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. On this date you’ll have a free pass to ride across the remarkable suspension bridge, a full 1,100 feet above the sensational Arkansas River. Once you exit the park, you’ll work your way back to HWY 50, and descend back down to Cañon City. Climb up and over Skyline Drive, offering you a little more climbing just for fun. Then hit the Aid Station back at Macon Street Plaza (at this point you’ll be at 65 miles), and then head out north on 5th Street to ride the additional Red Canyon Out and Back route (see above). Additional six miles are available on the scenic dirt of Shelf Road for anyone dead-set on doing a full 100 mile day.
Metric Mash-(Total Ascent 5300') Leave the Macon Street Plaza and head west on HWY 50. You’ll start by climbing what is commonly referred to as “8 Mile”, which is (you guessed it J) an eight mile long gradual climb. Once atop 8 Mile, you’ll make your way toward and down Parkdale Hill, then climb up the backside entry to the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. On this date you’ll have a free pass to ride across the remarkable suspension bridge, a full 1,100 feet above the sensational Arkansas River. Once you exit the park, you’ll work your way back to HWY 50, and descend back down to Cañon City. On this route you’ll then climb over Skyline Drive, offering you a spectacular view of Cañon City. Hit the Aid Station back at Macon Street Plaza, and then head out north on 5th Street to ride the additional Red Canyon Out and Back route.
Red Canyon 50k- (total ascent 2400') If you’re looking for a beautiful spin, but not feeling up to a long, hard day in the saddle, this is your ride. You’ll leave the Macon Street Plaza, head north on 5th street, and eventually find yourself northbound in a beautiful canyon, commonly ridden by Fremont County locals. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, turkeys, and incredible views. After 15 miles of gradual climbing, you’ll turn around and zip back to Cañon City. This route takes you back in time (geologically speaking) through the Garden Park Fossil Area, where dinosaurs once roamed, on your way out towards the spires of Red Canyon Park, and then back to town.
On top of all of that the leaves will be in a full on explosion of color. Cañon City is in the heart of the Colorado Banana Belt-meaning the weather will be perfect! Stop by Red Canyon Cycles for more information.
Bikes and Brews will roll out RAIN or SHINE!
Views from the road |
Important Information*Ride Start Times/Aid Station info
*Suggested Times/descriptions -7am Century & Metric, 10am 50k *Maps Routes Map *Waivers -Ride Waiver- -USA Cycling Waiver- *Swag -Tshirt, lunch voucher, Micros on Macon Entry, a beer, Honey Stinger products, Aid Stations, SAG support, majestic vistas, & more. *Food -Food Vendors include Pizza Madness. *Beer -Your registration provides you with a free beer and music! **We are excited to offer a Wine & Wheels deal with the Winery at the Holy Cross Abbey. Get 2-4-1 (commemorative wine glass & 4 drink tickets) if you purchase with your registration. $10 savings! |
